What is it?!

When is it?! Aug 24, 6:00 pm

Come to the Crossroads to celebrate an evening full of networking, food, drinks, live entertainment and interactive experiences all with a rooftop view. The fun night ends with a spectacular block party on Walnut Street in front of the BBBS building.

What is it?!

When is it?! Aug 24, 6:00 pm

Come to the Crossroads to celebrate an evening full of networking, food, drinks, live entertainment and interactive experiences all with a rooftop view. The fun night ends with a spectacular block party on Walnut Street in front of the BBBS building.

Join us at CREW Kansas City’s 16th Annual Golf Classic for an unforgettable day full of golf, networking, and supporting a wonderful organization!

WHEN: AUGUST 15, 2019

WHERE: CREEKMOOR GOLF COURSE

TIME: 8:00 AM REGISTRATION, 9:00 AM SHOTGUN START

MORE DETAILS

CREW KC and Creekmoor Golf Course have joined together for a great annual event. The course offers players a championship challenge while CREW KC allows its guests and members high quality networking. This combination gives each player an opportunity to form long lasting connections and improve their game on and off of the course.

UES is thankful to support CREW through this fantastic event and all proceeds go to CREW Network Foundation to positively affect the future of women in commercial real estate.

Golf attire is required! Collared shirts and no jeans. All participants must be at least 18 years of age.

Commercial Real Estate has never been in a better spot but you have to ask the question, what’s coming next?

MBA Vice President of Commercial Real Estate Research Jamie Woodwell expressed his opinion for the sector at the MBA Commercial/Multifamily Servicing & Technology Conference.

“We’re currently in the longest economic expansion ever,” Woodwell said. “There have been a couple negative quarters here and there, but not two in a row, which is the definition of a recession. So there’s been an incredibly long run of economic expansion.“

Woodwell quoted multiple record-setting metrics: Commercial property cap rates are at record lows; MBA accounted a record $574 billion in multifamily and commercial mortgage bankers originations last year; plus loan delinquency rates are at or near record lows.

“So, there are a lot of phenomena going on, putting us in a place we’ve never seen before,” Woodwell said. “Thus, the question becomes what’s next?“

That answer is dependent on your outlook on life.

People on the optimistic spectrum may say they don’t see anything likely to change the current thriving situation. While others may say, “it’s been a great run, so I’m going to get ready for what comes next,” Woodwell said.

So let’s get into the details…

Woodwell used the first quarter’s 3.2% real GDP growth rate to back the current strength of the U.S. economy. Unemployment rate dropped to its lowest point in 50 years and job growth has averaged above 200,000 per month thus far in 2019. “That’s boosted wages, which economists had expected would happen well before now,” said Woodwell.

On the other end, our economies great performance could guide some inflation pressure. “But that has not yet materialized,” Woodwell said. “Some think trade tariffs could start to bring more inflation on.”

With this economic situation, each commercial property type has a unique story to tell…

Multifamily sector: Moving fast in terms of both supply and demand for apartments. The younger generation is filling the shoes of their parents, which supports high demand for multifamily properties. The main surge is in Millennials since they’re beginning to demand apartments and form households; mainly high-quality urban newly developed apartments.

Office sector: Shows a long steady run of positive job growth, but on the flip side, companies are using a smaller space per employee; which leads to the recent fairly stable market. Nevertheless, wage pressure increases while employers struggle to keep their top employees in the middle of an extended strong job market.

“One tool employers could use would be to reverse the recent trend of shrinking office space and increase the room given to employees in an effort to compete for talent,” he said.

Retail sector: Definitely has witnessed the largest changes, mostly due to E-commerce, which has taken over almost 10% of all retail sales and persists to grow 3 basis points each quarter.

“But consumer consumption is strong enough that both E-commerce and brick-and-mortar stores can grow–as long as consumer spending continues, Woodwell said. “But if consumer spending should slip, which will lose more?,” he asked.

Industrial Sector: Has experienced positive evolving changes that have rarely been seen in the past such as new warehouse properties with a second or third story. With manufacturing shipments and E-commerce growing at record highs, the industrial sector continues to thrive–and evolve.

In conclusion…

“When I think about what’s likely to happen, I come back to the idea of a plateau,” Woodwell said. “Coming off a record year of originations, I don’t see much pulling those numbers down, and I also don’t see much pushing those numbers much higher, so we generally see a plateau for originations for the next few years. If we continue to run at this level, that still means growth in mortgage debt outstanding because of maturities, and that means there will likely be more need for servicers like you to service these loans.”

Commercial and Multifamily Originations rose to new levels in 2018 with a record amount of loans resulting in $573.9 billion loans. Learn how this happened, what factors such as growing property values, low interest rates, solid fundamentals, and strong appetites from lenders and borrowers led to this record. We break down the numbers and find out Commercial Bank portfolios led the capital source then GSEs, Government Sponsored Enterprises, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae then Life Insurance Companies and pension funds, Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities issuers, investment funds, REITs and mortgage REITS. Multifamily properties had the highest mortgage bankers' origination volume followed by retail properties, industrial, health care, office buildings, and hotel/motel

https://uesconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/commercial-and-multifamily-orignations-commercial-real-estate-records-environmental-consulting-1.jpg34565184adminhttps://uesconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/UES-Logo-c-750web.jpgadmin2019-07-02 02:00:032019-07-23 21:07:42Commercial and Multifamily Originations Set a Record by Rising to New Levels

So… what exactly is an Opportunity Zone?

Opportunity Zones are economically-distressed communities where new investments, under specific conditions, might be eligible for preferential tax treatment. Districts are eligible to be Opportunity Zones if they have been submitted for that classification by the state and that submission has been certified by the Secretary of the U.S. Treasury via his delegation of authority to the Internal Revenue Service.

What is the purpose of Opportunity Zones?

Opportunity Zones serve as an economic development tool. Furthermore, they are modeled to stimulate economic development and higher the job rate in distressed communities.

Have Opportunity Zones been around for a long time?

No, they were added to the tax code by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on December 22, 2017. The first set of Opportunity Zones, covering sections of 18 states, were selected on April 9, 2018. Opportunity Zones have now been appointed covering sections of all 50 states, five U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.

What is a Qualified Opportunity Fund?

A Qualified Opportunity Fund (QOF) is an investment vehicle that is designed as either a partnership or corporation for investing in qualified property that is in a Qualified Opportunity Zone.

How do Opportunity Zones stimulate economic development?

They are designed to boost economic development by providing tax benefits to investors. First off, investors can postpone tax on any prior gains invested in a Qualified Opportunity Fund (QOF) until the earlier of the date on which the investment in a QOF is sold or exchanged, or December 31, 2026. If the QOF investment is held for more than 5 years, there is a 10% exclusion of the postponed gain. If held for longer than 7 years, the 10% becomes 15%. Next, if the investor holds the investment in the Opportunity Fund for at least ten years, the investor is qualified for growth in basis of the QOF investment equal to its fair market value on the date that the QOF investment is sold or exchanged.

Do I have to live in an Opportunity Zone to gain the tax benefits?

The answer is no. You may get the tax benefits, even if you don’t work, live or have a business in an Opportunity Zone. You just need to invest a recognized gain in a Qualified Opportunity Fund and elect to defer the tax on that gain.

Is there a list of Opportunity Zones obtainable?

Definitely. This list can be found at Opportunity Zones Resources and in the Federal Register at IRB Notice 2018-48. In addition, a visual map of the census tracts designated as Qualified Opportunity Zones can be found at Opportunity Zones Resources.

I want to form a Qualified Opportunity Fund. Can I access a list of Opportunity Zones available in which the Fund can invest?

Is it possible for a limited liability company (LLC) to be an Opportunity Fund?

Absolutely. A LLC that decides to be treated as a partnership or corporation for federal tax purposes can classify as a Qualified Opportunity Fund.

How does a partnership or corporation get certified as a Qualified Opportunity Fund?

An eligible partnership or corporation self-certifies by filing Form 8996, Qualified Opportunity Fund, with its federal income tax return. Early-release drafts of the form and instructions are posted, with final versions due in December. The return with Form 8996 has to be filed timely, taking extensions into consideration.

https://uesconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/qualified-opportunity-zones-Phase-1-Environmental-Site-Assessments-opportunity-zones-United-States-environmental-consulting.jpg22504000adminhttps://uesconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/UES-Logo-c-750web.jpgadmin2019-05-13 21:21:442019-07-23 21:04:45Everything to know about Qualified Opportunity Zones in the United States

Phase 1 ESA is needed to assess if historical or current property uses have impacted the soil or groundwater beneath the property. If so, this could pose a threat to human health and a major issue for the environment. If these problems exist, then a potential liability is present for the owner and/or lender. This also affects the value of the property.

Finally, how are Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments completed?

First, it’s important to note that Phase 1 ESA’s can be done on all types of properties; industrial, multi-family residential, commercial, vacant land, and agricultural. But all Phase I ESA’s must comply with ASTM E1527-13. (exception being properties comprised of large primarily undeveloped land, which can be researched under ASTM E2247-16).

4. Reviewing local and state agency records including, but not limited to, state environmental agencies, Fire Departments, Health Departments, and Building Departments.

5. Interviewing past and current property owners, occupants, operators, or others well known with the property.

6. Interviewing the Report User for judicial or title records for environmental liens and activity and use limitations (AULs); specialized experience or knowledge, actual knowledge; commonly known or reasonably ascertainable information; the reason for a significantly lower purchase price; and the reason for the preparation of the Phase I ESA. It’s the User responsibility to provide this information to qualify for the innocent landowner defense.

7. Finally, the Environmental Professional (EP) evaluates all of this information to identify potential environmental risks to the property. EPs highest concerns are with properties including, but not limited to, gas stations, dry cleaners, printing operations, manufacturing, and auto/vehicle repair.

8. Once the Phase I ESA is complete, the EP will summarize what issues were identified on the property and make recommended steps to address these concerns.

In summary, Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments identify existing or potential environmental contamination liabilities. They are done to satisfy Commercial and Residential Real Estate transactions and ensure environmentally and human safety. They are completed on all varieties of properties but all comply with ASTM E1527-13. UES Consulting Services is ready and happy to help with any and all of your Phase I and Phase II ESA needs.

UES Consulting and our team of inspectors would be glad to help you with your Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment.

Important Details to Note for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments…

“While not part of ASTM requirements, Phase I ESA reports typically include a discussion of observed suspect asbestos containing materials (ACM), potential lead-based paint (LBP), and mold growth; as well as the potential for lead in drinking water and radon. Sampling for these non-ASTM concerns is beyond the scope of a standard Phase I ESA, but can be included upon request.“

“A recognized environmental condition (REC) indicates known contamination or the potential for the subsurface to have been impacted by contamination (either from the subject property or possibly from an offsite source). A controlled recognized environmental condition (CREC) identifies that the property has been impacted by contamination which has been investigated and remediated; however, contamination remains and would require additional work if redeveloped. A historical recognized environmental condition (HREC) identifies a release impacted the subject property which has been investigated and remediated meeting unrestricted use criteria.“

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https://uesconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/bigstock-Electrical-inspector-reading-p-23425832.jpg5581000adminhttps://uesconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/UES-Logo-c-750web.jpgadmin2019-05-01 22:05:472019-06-03 17:22:07The What, Why, and How of a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment

What are the reasons for these movements?

The first is the news of rising interest rates, trade wars dominating the airways, government shutdown all leading towards business uncertainty. Second is the quick pace of advancing technology which affecting commercial real estate space. Lastly, as seen nationwide popular retailers are quickly closing down and declaring bankruptcy forcing shopping centers to clear out or shut down at rapid rates.

“The real estate industry has become the poster child for uncertainty and anxiety.”

How to overcome this as a CRE investor?

Get ahead of the curve with 3 practical applications below that will help you stay relevant and pivot quickly in response to the shifting industry movements.

1. Fill the space.

“Real estate investment companies should reconsider their existing tenant mix. Long gone are the days of 10 to 15 year leases. With any uncertainty in the business market, corporations are often looking for a short-term lease.“

Therefore, re-evaluate your long-term leases & business model.

“While short-term leases may alter financial forecasting and real estate valuation, immediate increases in net operating income will outweigh the risk of carrying the vacant space.“

A major trend is to start diversifying the tenant mixes for overall appeal of your property. An example is mall owners are lending their empty space to startup restaurants, co-working companies, or incubators in hopes it will lure more tenants into the property. These tenants don’t pay rent or nearly as much but will increase foot traffic, visibility, and popularity.

2. Build Relationships

In uncertain times it’s important to focus on growth capital and support from partners and peers. For future stability and success it’s vital to build relationships.

“While the industry is in the growth cycle, capital is bountiful. However, as soon as the cycle turns, having capital is the difference between muddling through and controlling destiny.”

“Understanding and growing capital relationships comes in two forms: existing capital sources and new prospects with unrelated capital allocations.”

For existing capital relationships, constant communication is crucial. Banking relationships vary with the economic cycles change. Investment executives need to keep in step with bank’s directions and anticipate said direction would have on business.

Here are some examples…

“Banks that focus on real estate lending might concentrate on commercial and industrial loans after a merger which, in turn, might diminish the negotiating power of borrowers in a downturn.

In addition to current capital providers, real estate managers should focus on acquiring alternative sources of equity and debt.

A multitenant office owner might want to seek a partnership with a single, long-term tenant equity provider in order to mitigate the risk of short-term leases.

3. Diversify your assets.

According to past data, these changes in real estate are not hitting all markets. An example is the highs and lows of employment rates may affect the office market but the industrial market could flourish due to the increased shift towards e-commerce.

During the last cycle, manufactured housing and self-storage sectors performed better than other property types.

“According to Trepp Bank Research’s April 2017 report of historical CRE losses, self-storage had the lowest average loan loss severity of all property sectors at 1.52%, while manufacturing housing loss was at 3.53%. Comparatively, in a different sector, retail had an average loss rate of 6.17% and office at 6.13%. While taking into consideration these examples, property sectors (per research completed by Nareit in December 2018) and manufactured homes provided total returns of 24.93% and 11.43% for the years 2017 and 2018, respectively.“

Gaining property sector diversity can lessen risk across your business. But be cautious in your decisions. “While diversification can provide a footing to weather storms, businesses must be prudent as diversification efforts have their own risks. “

What crucial questions do you ask before making final decisions in this ages industry?

What oversights can be pulled from current practices?

Who are the allies in this diversification process?

“To stay relevant, future real estate leaders need to continue on the path of innovation. While transformation is tough, the only way to continue growing is to advance with the times. As it was in previous cycles, great things come to those who are able to pivot during the hardest times.“

After a major networking event or conference, it is important to take action as soon as possible to maintain the great connections you made.

Below is a 6 step guide to follow for all your Spring 2019 events.

1. Categorize and take action accordingly.

Organize your contacts into 3 categories.

Valuable leads: Contacts you believe to be an ideal client and/or that showed a high level of interest in working with you.

Qualify leads: Contacts who need to be qualified. They may be seriously interested or they might not, and even if they are you’re not sure they are qualified.

Connections: Prospects you can build a relationship with. You may work together in the future, refer business to one another, or merely get together for a happy hour on the occasion.

“It’s important to follow up with “valuable leads” as soon as possible and schedule a time to meet. Show an effort to follow up with “connections” soon after — in my experience, they are the most valuable people you meet at networking events.”

2. Follow up on Twitter.

“I’ve stopped giving (and taking) cards at networking events. Instead, I follow entrepreneurs (or their businesses) on Twitter. I prefer this approach because it allows me to see their profile and actually remember who they are. I return from networking events with new followers instead of cards. As soon as I return, I follow up with them by sending a quick DM via Twitter. I also browse through their most recent tweets and retweet or like anything that I relate to in my industry. This allows me to connect with them, understand their brand and create a more immediate connection.”

3. Add them to a CRM then connect on LinkedIn.

Input all the contacts into my CRM and tag appropriately. Now I can send tailored communications to them in the future.

Send connection requests to every connection on LinkedIn.

When connecting, include a personalized message, to remind them of how you met and try to include a memorable section of your conversation.

“When messaging and connecting on LinkedIn, another tip is to ask them how you can be of help. This could mean connecting them to someone, answering a question they mentioned, sending a resource, etc. You have to give to get.“

6. Check them out & connect on social media.

UES Consulting Services offers and our team of are well-versed in the demands of commercial and multi-family transactions and how thorough, time-sensitive Phase I Environmental Site Assessments and Property Condition Assessments can help the process run smoothly and close on time. If you are looking for a company to partner with on your commercial real estate transactions of any kind, turn to our in-house engineers and environmental consultants to alleviate the burden of environmental issues and mitigate risks.

You’re feeling it, because we are too. It’s the race to the finish line, the final cut of 2018 and, it’s HERE!

While you may not be ready for Christmas yet (*cough* 49 days), or the start of a new year (Hello 2019 in 56 days), the calendar says it’s time to finish those real estate deals. Close on the projects that need completion. And, if you’re like many of your colleagues, you may find yourself in need of an environmental assessment report (Phase I) or a property condition assessment (PCA).

The silver lining in the fast pace to the end of the year? UES is here… and, we’re ready for you. We have your environmental reporting and PCA needs covered. We specialize in quick turn-around times and like Santa’s elves, we work great under a strict deadline!

Don’t hesitate to take some of the pressure off by contacting us to help you close out 2018 strong!

https://uesconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Screen-Shot-2018-11-06-at-3.32.51-PM-e1541619372843.png234300adminhttps://uesconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/UES-Logo-c-750web.jpgadmin2018-11-06 21:36:482019-04-30 21:18:16End of the Year Swing is Here! We're Ready...

SIOR Development Day is the biggest event of the year for UES.

This year the Western Missouri/Kansas Chapter of SIOR 29th Annual Development Day was held at Kansas City’s Union Station in September. SIOR is the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors.

Furthermore, SIOR Development Day provides an unparalleled opportunity to network with industry leaders, highlight new projects, explore opportunities and celebrate successes – all in one setting. It was a great event!We had fun talking to booth visitors. We also hosted a football toss activity and exciting giveaway opportunities. Following the event we randomly selected 3 lucky winners for our giveaways.

Paul Fogel with Karbank Real Estate Company won the Callaway golf club. Amanda Kunze with Citizens Bank & Trust won a Travis Kelce signed helmet and last but not least, Brent Parsons was very happy with his football signed by Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes. We had a wonderful time connecting with other likeminded companies & organizations around the area. Hope to see you next year!

If you are looking for a company to partner with on your commercial real estate transactions of any variety, our in-house engineers and environmental consultants are happy to alleviate the burden of environmental issues and mitigate risks with our Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, Phase II Subsurface Investigations, and other services.